Cable operated dredging scoop

ABSTRACT

A scoop for removing mud, silt, or the like, from the bottom of bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, streams, ditches, and the like, embodying an open bottomed scoop having supports along the bottom and along the rear thereof so that the scoop will collect material when pulled along the bottom surface in a forward direction with the scoop generally being horizontally disposed. The scoop can move in a reverse direction without collecting material with the scoop generally being vertically disposed.

United States Patent 11 1 Renfroe Oct. 30, 1973 [54] CABLE OPERATED DREDGING SCOOP 242,962 4/1960 Australia 37/71 [75] Inventor: Walter D. Renfroe, Geneva. NY. [73] Assignee: Terra Marine Scoop Company Inc., Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey Geneva, NY. Assistant Examiner-Clifford D. Crowder Filed p 27 1971 Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien et al.

21 App]. No.: 183,854

57 ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl 172/26.5, 37/71, 37/135 1 A scoop for removing mud, silt, or the like, from the H9 bottom of bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes,

streams, ditches, and the like, embodying an open bottomed scoop having supports along the bottom and [56] Reerences Cited along the rear thereof so that the scoop will collect UNITED STATES PATENTS material when pulled along the bottom surface in a 3,084,309 4/1963 -wlegal'dl, .ll'. 37/71 X forward direction with the scoop generally being hori- 2,812,596 11 1957 Schofield 172/265 zomauy disposm The Scoop can move in a reverse gfs direction without collecting material with the scoop 326 675 10/1894 Bemarcl: I: 172/26:6 generally being Vatican) dispmed' 864,640 8/1907 Goodsman 172/26.6

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 9 Clams 12 Figures 21,270 2/1936- Australia 172/265 o I //6 K E #45 50/ 5 66 //4 l I i l 0 L- I --74 A 1 "(as k 48 PAIENIEUBSI 30 ms SFEET 10? 3 Fig. 2

Fig.3

Walter 0. Renfroe N MW g M ho PAIENIEUHBI 30 I973 SHEET 30F 3 Walter 0. Renfroe 7 IN MENTOR.

CABLE OPERATED DREDGING SCOOP BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a scoop for use in dredging a body of water by removing mud, silt, or other debris from the bottom thereof and, more particularly, the specific structural details thereof.

2. Description of the Prior Art Scoops for generally the same purpose have been disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 2,812,596, but, in certain situations, a more effective scoop structure is desired and other improvements rendering the device more efficient are also desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a scoop of generally rectangular configuration having an open bottom with a transverse blade adjacent the lower edge of the back wall of the scope to facilitate collection of material. The blade may have either a straight lower edge or a serrated edge and is provided with a concave forward surface.

Another object of the invention is to provide a scoop having a skid-type support for the rear wall when the scoop moves in a reverse direction in vertical orientation or a rotatable supporting wheel structure for the rear wall of the scoop when the scoop is in vertical position during reverse movement so that the wheel assembly will support the scoop for easier reverse movement.

A further object of the invention is to provide a scoop employing a screen or mesh top constructed of expanded material which permits passage of water but traps solid material inside the scoop.

A further important object of the present invention is to provide a scoop which can be operated by one man and is ruggedly constructed even though being portable and mobile in nature.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevational view illustrating the manner in which the bottom surface of a body of water may be dredged;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the scoop;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the scoop with portions broken away;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the scoop with portions thereof broken away to illustrate structural details;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view of the scoop illustrating the specific structural features thereof;

FIG. 6 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the specific details of the end of one of the reinforcing tie bars;

FIG. 7 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the mounting structure for the blade;

FIG. 8 is a fragmental front view of a concave blade having a straight cutting edge;

FIG. 9 is a view similarto FIG. 8 but illustrating a blade having a serrated cutting edge;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the scoop;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the rear portion of the scoop illustrating a wheel assembly employed in lieu of a skid for supporting the scoop when in vertical position during reverse movement; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the scoop and rear portion of a vehicle illustrating the position of the scoop during transport.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now specifically to the drawings, the scoop is generally designated by reference numeral 20 and, as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is employed to remove silt, mud, or the like 22 from the bottom surface 24 of an excavation such as a body of water which may be in the form of a pond, lake, ditch, stream, or the like. The scoop is moved by the use of cable 26 which extends from a vehicle generally designated by the numeral 28 across the body of water or excavation 24 through a tail pulley or block 30 mounted by any suitable anchor structure such as a dead man 32 secured to the opposite bank of the body of water. The cable 26 then extends toward the rear portion of the scoop 20 and is connected to the scoop in a manner described in detail hereinafter. A second cable 34 extends from the front portion of the scoop to the vehicle 28 which includes a double drum winch to move the scoop back and forth in relation to the excavation substantially in the manner of cable car travelling out and in, as the winch mechanism and cables are manipulated.

The scoop 20 is generally of rectangular configuration and provided with an open bottom defined by a rear wall 36, a front wall 37 and two side walls 38 and 40. The wall 36, 37, 38 and 40 are provided with a top structure or wall 42 thus leaving the bottom of the scoop substantially open. The front wall 37 of the scoop is provided with a plurality of transversely extending, vertically spaced frame members 44 of generally forwardly opening channel-shaped configuration with these members being interconnected by vertical frame members 46 which are transversely spaced and parallel. The vertical members 46 may be secured to the horizontal members 44 in any suitable rigid manner. The space between the members 44 is substantially filled by panels 45 secured in place by suitable bolt type fasteners to the vertical members 46 in a manner to leave spaces 47 between the panels 45 and members 44.

The rear wall 36 of the scoop is formed by similar horizontally disposed rearwardly opening channelshaped horizontal members 48 which are vertically spaced and generally in alignment with the members 44 with the horizontal members being interconnected by vertical members 50 which are transversely spaced. The side walls 38 and 40 are also formed by a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal members 52 in the form of outwardly opening channel-shaped members which areinterconnected rigidly by vertical members 54. The space between the horizontal members 52 defining the side walls is substantially filled by panels 56 secured in place by bolt-type fasteners 58 extending through the vertical members 54 with the panels 56 being spaced as at 60 from the horizontal members 52 to provide for passage of water therebetween but to prevent solid materials passing therethrough.

The same arrangement is provided for the rear wall 36 in which panels 62 are secured to the upright members 50 by bolts 64 with spaces 66 being left open to permit passage of water while entrapping solid materials. The bolt assemblies enable the panels 45, 56 and 62 to be removed and replaced when desired. Thus, plywood panels, metal panels or equivalent panels may be employed in the scoop with the panels being replaceable when desired, or if desired they can be replaced with narrower or wider panels depending upon the material being removed from the excavation or body of water.

The scoop is supported by bottom skids or runners 68, each having an upturned forward end 70 and a forward bracket 72 attached to the lower side members 52 by a bolt 74. The rear of each skid is provided with a similar bracket 76 which can be adjustably connected to the side member 52 by one ofa plurality of vertically spaced apertures being provided in the bracket 76.

For rigidifying the scoop, rearwardly and upwardly inclined tie rods 78 interconnect the lower two front frame members 44 and the upper two rear frame members 48 with the ends of the tie rods 78 being threaded as at 80 (see FIG. 6) for receiving a retaining nut 82 and a plate 84 inserted into the channel-shaped configuration of the members 48 or 44 thus enabling the rods to be tensioned by tightening the nuts 82 thereby rigidifying the scoop.

A cutting blade is mounted transversely of the rear wall 36 at the lower corner thereof with the blade being in the form of an elongated relatively narrow plate 86 having a concave formed surface defining upper and lower smooth and continuous cutting edges 88 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The blade 86 is secured in place by retaining bolts 90 which extend through apertures 92 therein and also through apertures in vertical members 50, horizontal members 48 and an angle iron support member 94 which is interposed between blade 86 and the members 48 and 50. The bolts 90 are removable to enable the blade to be inverted so that the upper cutting edge may be employed after the lower cutting edge has become dull from use. Also, the bolts 90 may be removed to enable removal of the blade 86 and the mounting of a new blade or a different type of blade 96, as illustrated in FIG. 9, which is provided with serrations or teeth 98 on one or both edges thereof. With the teeth on only one edge, then the blade may be inverted so that either the toothed edge or the smooth cutting edge may be employed depending upon the material being scooped.

The top 42 of the scoop is provided with an upwardly inclined panel 100 having its lower edge engaging the upper horizontal member 48 and its upper edge engaged with spaced horizontal panels 102. Forwardly of g the horizontal panels 102, an enlarged downwardly inclined mesh panel 104 of expanded metal material or other suitable mesh material is provided with the forward edge of the panel 104 engaging the uppermost front transverse member 44. The mesh material 104 is reinforced by angle iron members 106 on the underside thereof which extend transversely from side edge to side edge and which also extend longitudinally thereof at the side edges. The panels 100, 102 as well as the mesh panel 104 are fixedly secured to panels 108 which form a closure for the portion of the scoop above the side members 52 with adequate reinforcement to provide substantial rigidity to the top 42. The panel 100 includes a pair of lugs l 10 thereon to which chains 112 may be connected by suitable shackles or other connectors.

To facilitate rearward movement of the scoop, skid members 114 are mounted on the rear wall 36 by bracket elements 116 attached to the channel members 48. The upper end of each skid is inclined as at 118 so that it is generally in alignment with the inclined panel 100, thus, in effect providing an elongated inclined leading edge to the skid when the scoop is oriented vertically, that is, with the rear wall 36 being disposed downwardly and generally in a horizontal position when the cable 26 is tensioned, thereby facilitating movement of the scoop in a reverse direction or in a direction outwardly from the vehicle.

The front of the scoop is provided with a pair of outwardly diverging plates 120 secured to the side members 52 and the front members 44 and a centrally disposed vertical plate 121 secured to members 44 as by welding or the like. The plates 120 and 121 each have a plurality of apertures 122 therein for receiving shack les 124 to attach converging bridle chains or the like 126 which are connected to the cable 34 thereby enabling the points of connection with the scoop to be vertically adjusted in relation to the scoop for varying the scooping characteristics thereof. Also, an upwardly extending lug 128 is provided on the center top of the scoop for receiving a chain 129 which extends rearwardly and is connected with cable 26 along with chains 112 (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 11 illustrates a wheel assembly generally designated by the numeral 130 which is employed in lieu of each of the skids 114 for the rear wall. The skid assembly 130 includes a rubber tired wheel 132 journalled between supporting plate structures 134 that are secured to the brackets 116. Thus, either the skids 114 with the inclined forward ends 118 are employedor alternatively, the wheel assemblies 130 are employed to facilitate movement of the scoop in its reverse or outward direction when the scoop is oriented vertically and either the skids 114 or the wheels 132 will support the scoop for movement along the bottom surface of the excavation or body of water.

FIG. 12 illustrates in more detail, the manner in which the scoop is supported for transport from the vehicle. In this arrangement, the cables 26 and 34 are disconnected from the bridle chains and are connected to a pair of brackets 136 and 138 (see FIG. 5) which are oriented in the center upper portions of the front wall 37 and rear wall 36 of the interior of the scoop. The cables 26 and 34 are then wound onto winch drum mounted on the vehicle 28 through suitable cable guide and supporting structures on the vehicle so that the scoop 20 will be supported in agenerally vertically disposed position across the rear portion of the vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate the operative position of the scoop during its forward movement when the cable 34 is being tensioned and the cable 26 slackened. The bridle chains 126 are adjustably connected to the plates 120 and 121 which enables variation in the scooping characteristics of the blade and the entire scoop with the adjustment of the runners 68 also facilitating such variation in the scooping characteristics. As the scoop moves upwardly out of the excavation, it will be stopped at a desired location and then the cable 26 tensioned and the cable 34 slackened. This will cause the scoop 20 to tilt rearwardly from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position due to the rear bottom corners of the scoopincluding the skids 114 and the runners 68 engaging the ground surface and due to the tension initially being exerted only on the chain 129 since the chains 112 are slack when the scoop 20 is horizontal (see FIG. Then as the scoop approaches the vertical position, the chains 112 as well as the chain 129 will be tensioned thus providing a three point bridle for moving the scoop rearwardly while in its vertical orientation. The chains 126 and cable 34 will retain sufficient force on the upper end of the scoop to prevent it from tilting over onto its top surface or a limited tension may be exerted on cable 34 for this purpose. A

By employing a selected blade, excacation of various types of materials, such as, sand, silt, mud, peat, and the like, may be effectively accomplished. Also, be selecting the skid type or wheel type runner or support, the reverse movement of the scoop may be more effectively accomplished, especially when using the scoop in excavations having highly abrasive bottom surfaces such as sand, rock, and the like. The changeable or replacing panel shot only reduces the total weight of the scoop but also reduces the cost thereof and enables replacement of components. When lightweight materials are employed, the device may be effectively employed with lightweight materials, such as peat. This panel arrangement together with the bolting of the components enables lightweight panels to be exchanged for heavy panels and reduces the time necessary to repair or replace broken panels when on the job. The expanded material in the top enables water to effectively pass therethrough but will trap lightweight or floating solid material inside the scoop. This is especially effective in lakes and water impoundments where fibrous peat is excavated which has a tendency to float out of the top of the scoop when it is broken loose from the bottom of the lakeJThe screen or mesh material will retain such floating material within the scoop. The entire device is mobile and in practical use has been found to be effective when operating up to 1,500 feet from the vehicle with from 3 to 50 cubic yard capacity and effectively removes material from the bottom of a lake,

stream, pond, or the like-without removing water or marine life therefrom.- 1 I The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A scoop for removing material from an excavation comprising rigid upstanding rear, front and side walls defining an open bottom, each rear, front, and side wall being continuous throughout their area to prevent free entry of material into the scoop except through the open bottom, blade means on the bottom edge of the rear wall to facilitateremoval of material from the bottom of the excavation when the scoop is moved forwardly along the bottom thereof, a mesh panel defining at least a portion of the top of the scoop to enable passage of water therethrough but entrapping solid material in the scoop to enable the scoop to remove material from the bottom of a body of water with the water flowing through the top of the scoop, each of the walls including slot-like openings permitting flow of water therethrough whereby the scoop will not remove any substantial quantity of water from the body of water, skid means below the bottom of the side walls of the scoop and provided with substantial width for support ing the same during forward movement, skid means on the rear surface of the rear wall for supporting the scoop when the side walls extend upwardly from the rear wall when the scoop is moving in a reverse direction with the rear wall being lowermost, means connected to the scoop for moving the scoop in a reverse direction and tilting the forward end of the scoop upwardly when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, and means connected to the forward portion of the scoop for moving the scoop forwardly to remove material from an excavation.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the top of the scoop includes a solid panel defining a portion thereof, the solid panel being disposed rearwardly of the mesh panel, said top forming solid panel including a slot-like opening to enable passage of water therethrough, said mesh panel enabling passage of water therethrough with less restriction than'the solid panel.

3. A scoop for removing material from an excavation comprising upstanding rear, frontand side walls defining an open bottom, blade means on the bottom edge of the rear wall to faciliate removal of material from the bottom of the excavation when the scoop is moved forwardly along the bottom of an excavation, a mesh panel defining at least a portion of the top of the scoop to enable passage of water therethrough but entrapping solid material in the scoop to enable the scoop to remove material from the bottom of a body of water with the water flowing through the top of the scoop, each of the walls including slot-like openings permitting flow of water therethrough whereby the scoop will not remove any substantial quantity of water from the body of water, skid means on the bottom of the scoop for supporting the same during forward movement, skid means on the'rear surface of the rear wall for supporting the scoop when the side walls extend upwardly from the rear wall when the scoop is moving in a reverse direction with the rear wall being lowermost, means connected to the scoop for moving the scoop in a reverse direction and tilting the forward end of the scoop upwardly when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, and means connected to the forward portion of the scoop for moving the scoop forwardly to remove material from an excavation, said means for moving the scoop in a'reverse direction including a flexible member connected to the upper forward portion of the scoop and extending above the top thereof for exerting rearward force on the scoop at the top front edge thereof to tilt the forward end of the scoop upwardly toward a vertical position, and flexible members connected between the rear upper portions of the scoop and the flexible member which extends to the forward upper-portion of the scoop for exerting force at three points on the scoop during reverse movement, said flexible members extending to the rear upper portions of the scoop being slack until the scoop approaches vertical orientation during reverse movement.

4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the rear wall includes an elongated runner having an inclined end portion for facilitating movement of the runner along the bottom surface of the excavation during reverse movement of the scoop, and means detachably securing the runner to the rear wall for removal thereof.

5. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the rear wall includes a wheel assembly including a rotatable wheel for supporting the scoop when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, andd means detachably mounting the wheel assembly from the rear wall of the scoop.

6. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the bottom of the scoop includes a pair of runners having upturned forward ends to facilitate movement of the scoop over the bottom of an excavation, means angularly adjustably supporting the runners from the scoop to vary the angular orientation thereof in relation to the scoop.

7. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for moving the scoop forwardly includes forwardly diverging plate members connected to the vertical forward side corners of the scoop and a central vertical plate on the front of the scoop, each of said plates including a plurality of apertures for adjustable connection with a towingdevice.

8. The structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for moving the scoop forwardly also includes forwardlyextending flexible members adjustably connected to each of said plates, said flexible members being connected to a single tension member capable of linear movement for pulling the scoop in a forward direction.

9. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein the front and rear walls are rigidly interconnected by reinforcing tie bars extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front wall to the rear wall. 

1. A scoop for removing material from an excavation comprising rigid upstanding rear, front and side walls defining an open bottom, each rear, front, and side wall being continuous throughout their area to prevent free entry of material into the scoop except through the open bottom, blade means on the bottom edge of the rear wall to facilitate removal of material from the bottom of the excavation when the scoop is moved forwardly along the bottom thereof, a mesh panel defining at least a portion of the top of the scoop to enable passage of water therethrough but entrapping solid material in the scoop to enable the scoop to remove material from the bottom of a body of water with the water flowing through the top of the scoop, each of the walls including slot-like openings permitting flow of water therethrough whereby the scoop will not remove any substantial quantity of water from the body of water, skid means below the bottom of the side walls of the scoop and provided with substantial width for supporting the same during forward movement, skid means on the rear surface of the rear wall for supporting the scoop when the side walls extend upwardly from the rear wall when the scoop is moving in a reverse direction with the rear wall being lowermost, means connected to the scoop for moving the scoop in a reverse direction and tilting the forward end of the scoop upwardly when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, and means connected to the forward portion of the scoop for moving the scoop forwardly to remove material from an excavation.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the top of the scoop includes a solid panel defining a portion thereof, the solid panel being disposed rearwardly of the mesh panel, said top forming solid panel including a slot-like opening to enable passage of water therethrough, said mesh panel enabling passage of water therethrough with less restriction than the solid panel.
 3. A scoop for removing material from an excavation comprising upstanding rear, front and side walls defining an open bottom, blade means on the bottom edge of the rear wall to faciliate removal of material from the bottom of the excavation when the scoop is moved forwardly along the bottom of an excavation, a mesh panel defining at least a portion of the top of the scoop to enable passage of water therethrough but entrapping solid material in the scoop to enable the scoop to remove material from the bottom of a body of water with the water flowing through the top of the scoop, each of the walls including slot-like openings permitting flow of water therethrough whereby the scoop will not remove any substantial quantity of water from the body of water, skid means on the bottom of the scoop for supporting the same during forward movement, skid means on the rear surface of the rear wall for supporting the scoop when the side walls extend upwardly from the rear wall when the scoop is moving in a reverse direction with the rear wall being lowermost, means connected to the scoop for moving the scoop in a reverse direction and tilting the forward end of the scoop upwardly when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, and means connected to the forward portion of the scoop for moving the scoop forwardly to remove material from an excavation, said means for moving the scoop in a reverse direction including a flexible member connected to the upper forward portion of the scoop and extending above the top thereof for exerting rearward force on the scoop at the top front edge thereof to tilt the forward end of the scoop upwardly toward a vertical position, and flexible members connected between the rear upper portions of the scoop and the flexible member which extends to the forward upper portion of the scoop for exerting force at three points on the scoop during reverse movement, said flexible members extending to the rear upper portions of the scoop being slack until the scoop approaches vertical orientation during reverse movement.
 4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the rear wall includes an elongated runner having an inclined end portion for facilitating movement of the runner along the bottom surface of the excavation during reverse movement of the scoop, and means detachably securing the runner to the rear wall for removal thereof.
 5. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the rear wall includes a wheel assembly including a rotatable wheel for supporting the scoop when the scoop is moved in a reverse direction, and means detachably mounting the wheel assembly from the rear wall of the scoop.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said skid means on the bottom of the scoop includes a pair of runners having upturned forward ends to facilitate movement of the scoop over the bottom of an excavation, means angularly adjustably supporting the runners from the scoop to vary the angular orientation thereof in relation to the scoop.
 7. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for moving the scoop forwardly includes forwardly diverging plate members connected to the vertical forward side corners of the scoop and a central vertical plate on the front of the scoop, each of said plates including a plurality of apertures for adjustable connection with a towing device.
 8. The structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for moving the scoop forwardly also includes forwardly extending flexible members adjustably connected to each of said plates, said flexible members being connected to a single tension member capable of linear movement for pulling the scoop in a forward direction.
 9. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein the front and rear walls are rigidly interconnected by reinforcing tie bars extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front wall to the rear wall. 